Earth Hour

Of course we took part in Earth Hour, did you? We started off at home and watched the countdown on CP24 as if it was New Years all over again. When we saw Nelly Furtado at Nathan Phillips we decided to walk down and enjoy it...live! We sipped on hot chocolate to stay warm as we watched the unplugged performances by Nelly Furtado, Fefe Dobson and the Philosopher Kings. After the performances we went home, turned on the stove to cook dinner, watched TV and surfed the net during commercials. I guess it only lasted an hour but in my opinion, we're doing our part. We have a small living space that is sufficient for our current needs, we have one car that we use only on occasion, we take the subway or walk to work and we walk to the market to buy local products. I am guilty, however, of having my computer on from the minute I get in the door but how else am I going to be the Blogger Police?

Easter Long Weekend

Besides the obligatory masses that we attended as well as the additional novenas that we did at home, we managed to set some time aside for some other activities.

Not only did Norm take me for a much needed foot & back massage but he also planned a little treat later that evening. He took me to watch Nicholas Nickleby at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Not only was it a great show but we had such great seats. As we walked home our intention was to go to Richtree for dessert but the cold air blew us all the way straight home. I am really getting tired of this weather.

Saturday we had a couple of tourists in the city that we happily showed around. We started off at the Eaton Centre, took the train to the CN Tower, walked around Spadina and ended our day at Wah Sing. Norm and I could not believe all the food we had. He was worried that it would be too much but as it turns out, we actually ordered more! We had lobster (of course), 3 or 4 plates of fried rice (i lost count), deep fried sole, spicy squid, salty fried chicken, steamed vegetables and 2 or 3 plates of noodles. It was a very lovely day with a sweet Wah Sing ending.

Sunday we met up with the tourists again and headed to St Mike's for Easter mass. After mass we had breakfast at...drum roll please...McDonald's! I can't even begin to tell you the last time we had a McDonald's breakfast. Norm and I devoured every bite of our hashbrowns and mcmuffin sandwiches. We even tried the cinnamon bun and it was sticky, gooey, good! Later that afternoon we went to Grandma and Grandpa's hall to celebrate with the Barrientos family. The McDonald's must have had an instant affect on me because Grandma was quick to tell me that I have gained weight, however, it didn't stop me from stuffing myself silly with more food. Who can resist when you have a smorgasbord of delicious food.

I can't wait to see what this week unfolds...now that lent is over, we can go back to our normal way of living - eating out!

A Stu Occasion

When Stu is in town it's definitely a reason to celebrate so we all met up at Terroni's to toast to the English bloke. We were given a private room that was away from the hustle and bustle Terroni is known for on a Friday night. Unfortunately we were unable to run away from a drug induced crazy woman who was stuck behind a door that led directly towards our private dining room. Maybe she was so scared of the freaky baby picture (not a real baby - a doll baby with those scary empty eyes) on the wall that she locked herself in the room? Well, it made for an interesting night and one that we'll laugh about in the years to come.

Pork & Raisins

Thursday night cooking class consisted of more rolling and pounding of the sweet dough and stuffing it with BBQ pork as well as making raisin loaf bread. It sounds easy enough but you need a lot of patience for the dough as you wait for it to 'proof'. The end result was that I was a little stingy with the pork filling and the raisin bread had barely any raisins. Oh well. Trial and error will lead me to perfection.

Ev's WND

Since Sally was MIA, I decided to bring my camera along and take pictures of Ev's delicious WND. The menu consisted of the following: shrimp salad, mashed parsnips, sweet potato fries and cordon bleu. The grand finale was profiteroles with chocolate sauce. One of us had more chocolate than cream. I wonder who?

Jeremy Ryan

Here's Jeremy again posing in his after party outfit. Don't you just love his argyle vest and baby blue pants?

Our Godson

My brother's youngest baby boy Jeremy Ryan was baptized on Sunday at St. Joseph's Church. Luckily the main roads were clear of snow so we were all able to celebrate this occasion. It was also the day we all had to reset our clocks but despite even that, no one showed up an hour later. The reception was held at Nagoya - an all you can eat Japanese buffet. Norm and I enjoyed all the food and cannot wait until we can go again after Easter. Unless there's another occasion. Anyone? Anyone?

Winter Wonderland

What do you do after a big snow storm? Take pictures! Sunday morning Norm and I ventured to UofT to take pictures. We were actually headed to Harbord Bakery to get that chocolate croissant we missed out on last week but as we drove by UofT I asked Norm to drive in so I could take a few shots. So to all of you in BC, South Carolina, California & Texas - Eat your heart out. This snow is all ours!

Coconut Buns Anyone

As I walked into class I was a bit overwhelmed with huge mixers lined up against the wall, the factory style oven that took up the other side of the wall and all the students who were busy shuffling back and forth preparing their ingredients for our class. I quickly took off my jacket, dropped my bag and began working. After 4 hours of pounding and rolling, here are my results. And here I thought it would be a relaxing way to spend my Thursday evenings. Not that I don't love it, because I do. It's just a lot of work.

My WND

Since Norm and I can't go to Terroni's, I decided to make it myself. This Wednesday I made all my Terroni favourites. First we started with Funghi Assoluti - baked oyster mushroom with parmigiano and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. This is the salad we all go crazy over so when I was able to replicate it at home, we were all excited! Next came the C'T Mang - pizza with prosciutto, pear, walnuts, mozzarella, gorgonzola and a drizzle of honey. I know it sounds a bit weird but the salty proscuitto, the bite of the gorgonzola and the sweet pear all come together to make this a delectable pizza. Just when they thought dinner was over I brought out a pasta dish called Pappardelle ala Iosa - pappardelle pasta with italian sausage, cremini mushrooms, green peas and olive oil. Delish! For dessert we wanted to make creme caramel so we called Ate Car and she shared her famous leche flan recipe with us. We were a little nervous because this was our first time making it but we were amazed at the turn out. It was the perfect sweet ending to my Terroni inspired dinner.

Norm's Secret Hideaway

Today Norm showed me a few of his secret hideaways - which I realize won't be a secret any longer. First we went to his office to drop off a few boxes that have been sitting in his car for the last year. Next we walked over to get a foot massage. Norm frequents this place often and talks very highly of it so he wanted me to give it a try. After an hour foot massage and a half hour back massage I felt invigorated and alive. No wonder Norm loves this place. It was absolutely amazing and I encourage all of you to try it. I'm not quite sure what reflexology is all about but I'm sure there are health benefits to be had. And the best part is the price. It was only $45 for 1.5 hours of pampering. During the week you will normally find a line up of old chinese men. Norm says when you see people lining up for something, it's probably good. After our massage we walked wearily towards Mother's Dumplings where we ordered shrimp, egg and chive dumplings to go (as not to break our lenten promise). It's a tiny, little restaurant tucked away on Huron St and is home to some of the best homemade dumplings. As I waited for our order I watched as the little old lady (I presume is "Mother") rolled out the dough and made the dumplings right in front of me. Our last stop was the Harbord Bakery where Norm claims has the best chocolate croissant. Unfortunately they were sold out but we came out with a few treats anyway. Not to worry, we'll be back for the croissant when we go for another foot massage. I have a feeling it will be sooner versus later.

Asian Baking

Since I enjoy my cooking classes so much, I've decided to take another. I just enrolled in Asian baking which is offered on Thursday evenings from 6 - 10pm. Here I will learn how to make the famous coconut & pork buns as well as the different asian pastries. I'm glad I was able to get in as there was a waiting list. Also, since there's construction happening at George Brown, most classes have been canceled. Sorry Gerwyn, your italian cooking has been postponed. I guess our Iron Chef competition will have to wait.

Lou's 30th

Last night we celebrated Lou's 30th at LiLy's Lounge on College. It was a grand affair with balloons and sour keys. Norm and I even managed to have a drink or two - thank goodness for the TTC. After a night of chatting I realized how much we needed to catch up on. I've tried to convince Lou to blog so we can keep track of their new home updates and wedding plans. She will be checking our blogs to get an idea so hopefully she will be on board our family blogging network. And by the way, Tim now has a crackberry - yes everyone, we can now reach him without having to send a SOS. Ready everyone... tim@servicecall.ca. Now we just need to get Grandma a laptop.

One Night Live

Thursday night a few coworkers and I went to the One Night Live charity concert that supports our women & babies at Sunnybrook. I was excited to see my all time fav, Sarah McLaughlin. Norm did not go to this event but he would have loved to see Jann Arden. She's definitely under rated in her music and she is a true comedian. Josh Groban also made an appearance and although I wanted to throw my undergarments his way, it would not have made it given I was seated all the way up in the nose bleed section. Bryan Adams was the last performer who rocked the ACC until 1am. I wish I could have seen the whole thing but the air was getting thin up in my section and it was way past my bedtime. As I watched everyone rush to catch GO trains and leave early to avoid the traffic on the DVP, I walked home and was in bed in less than 10 minutes.